'90s style has always been the blueprint, and right now, corporate dressing needs this inspiration more than ever. From the nostalgia for '90s rom-coms full of ambitious NYC women to the recent return of the office siren aesthetic, fashion girls have been signaling a desire to dress like '90s off-duty supermodels—even when they're headed to work. This is an upgrade from the usual trousers and button-downs; I'm talking pencil skirts, leather jackets, and tights with simple slingbacks. And Nordstrom has clearly seen the writing on the wall. Senior fashion editor Anna LaPlaca is here to break down exactly what to buy and how to style it, taking us through one of her go-to '90s-inspired office looks.
What '90s fashion references were you most interested in bringing into your fall office wardrobe?
This fall, I'm fixated on a knee-length pencil skirt as the hero piece of every outfit. The Calvin Klein runways from the late '90s are my reference point for styling. For me, the shape is just as versatile as any pair of jeans or trousers, working as the base for great knitwear and jackets. I especially love it with a sleek turtleneck top or a leather bomber jacket, and finished with a pair of kitten heels.
How did you balance the '90s-inspired pieces with more modern elements to keep the look feeling current?
While a turtleneck and pencil skirt both feel ultra '90s to me, I wanted to bring an element of 2026 in, and adding a leather bomber jacket was the right call. The funnel neck feels undoubtedly modern, but it plays especially well with the sleek silhouettes and clean lines of the pencil skirt. It's a match made in minimalist heaven.
What's a styling tip you would you tell someone who is struggling with "boring" workwear?
I'd say to pick your favorite piece from your non-workwear wardrobe and challenge yourself to style it for the office. You'll be surprised just how fresh your outfits can feel with something a little more unexpected (but still very professional), like a leather bomber jacket that makes other classics feel so much cooler.
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